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"The Legend of the 8 Symbols"
The Onics were a nomadic collection of 8 bands, belonging to 2 factions of 4, that lived during the Neolithic Revolution, scattered throughout various environmental landscapes in the Fertile Crescent, largely nearer the coast where the land meets the Mediterranean Sea. Each band was home to a large number of individuals, from between 500 to even 1000 strong. The origin of these bands are lost to history, but what we do know is that they share common ancestors and were far ahead of their time: they possessed advanced knowledge of human anatomy, were capable of producing compelling and sophisticated artworks, and developed 8 unique symbols, each illustrating a different breathing protocol inspired by the nature of their community and their homes. They shared the land they inhabited harmoniously, trading supplies, art, knowledge and skills. Despite each band living in separate places, they spent a large amount of time intertwined, congregating for celebrations of the changing seasons and joining highbrow forces for discussions of societal organization, planning, administration and logistics.
The Onics’ teachings spread far and wide, slowly rippling eastward. Their ideologies gradually diffused with time, but could still be found among schools of thought in Ancient Mesopotamia, further beyond in the Vedas of India, and further still to the philosophies of the Far East.
Though the exact beginning of the Onics is hard to pinpoint, their era spanned roughly 1500 years before catastrophe hit. A megatsunami resulting from a “massive volcanic landslide” from what would be later called Mount Etna in Sicily “devastated the eastern Mediterranean coastline on the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe”, circa 6000 BC. All but those who lived in high altitudes were lost to the unforgiving destruction of the sea, along with the masses of intellectual and creative work produced over so many generations. It is this very reason that few precious relics remained in the mountains - allowing us a small glimpse at a vast, rich history.
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The Art of Energy from the Rapids (Pump)
Known for their brawl power and resilience amid uncertain and rough times, the Rapids were the scout and warrior band. Fittingly, their breathing pattern worked to enhance energy for exploration, or build motivation among their ranks for whatever demanding or even dangerous tasks faced them. Their breathing pattern involves a fast exchange of O2 and CO2, increasing temperature and blood flow across the body, thus improving physical performance.
The Art of Focus from the Summit (Mountain)
Dwelling in the peaks, as monks do to adjoin the divine, practice mindful awareness and cultivate focused concentration, the Summits were the crafters and creators of the Onics. From equipment and tools to home-decor, everything they produced was of the highest quality and value. Even their breathing pattern involved the use of their skilled hands, pointing to their ubiquitous craftsmanship, bringing them into a state of hyper-focus.
The Art of Flow from the Shore (Box)
The artists, the dancers, the singers. A passionate band in love with creative expression. They developed a unique breathing technique inspired by the consistent, reassuring ebb and flow of the sea. Rhythmic at its core, any and all can engage as an individual or an ensemble. The Shores’ technique transcends brain activity to get you into the zone. As a result, this calming yet active protocol keeps your heart beating steadily to the rhythm of the flow.
The Art of Clarity from the Geyser (Double-In)
Regarded as some of the smartest of the Onics, the Geysers were well versed tacticians and politicians. Quick wit, bright minds and sharp tongues mimic the decisive eruption of the geyser. They developed a breathing style that improves clarity of mind by accelerating their heart rate at will to increase blood flow to their brains, literally blowing away distractions and mental clutter. The result: enhanced cerebral processing for exceptional problem solving skills.
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The Art of Pause from the Canyon (Long)
The shamans, highly regarded as the enlightened ones, brought wisdom to the Onics. They buried themselves away, dwelling deep within the earth’s ravines of unimaginably tall cliffs. Only once freed from the rapid pace of life, isolated from stimuli, can greater truths emerge. Only in solitude can time slow down. Their challenging pattern requires absolute discipline to master, achieving a reduced heart rate, thus increasing lifespan.
The Art of Unwinding from the Delta (Triangle)
Crucial to the survival of the Onics, the Deltas were the whisperers of Earth. Free spirited and exposed to the elements, this band understood that transformation is the only constant, as taught by their home, the ever-evolving Delta. By releasing all resistance to change, to unwind and become one with nature, they perceived the subtleties of the weather, climate and seasons, yielding the ability to predict the quality of the harvest and the emergence of natural disasters.
The Art of Sleep from the Forest (Blanket)
Where the Canyons were the esoteric healers of the Onics, the Forest band were the healers of the physical, the tangible. Despite their vast knowledge of medicine, understanding of the body and seemingly infinite remedial capabilities, the Forests knew better than all of the importance of rest. Inspired by the blanket of the forest canopy, their breathing pattern induces a deeply restorative hibernation, taking them one step further than your regular night’s sleep.
The Art of Balance from the Fjord (Out)
The Fjords constitute the philosophers and professors. The scenery of their peaceful homes, an equilibrium of ocean and land, evokes a sense of passive observance. To be patient and aware, to listen before speaking, to gather information before making conclusions, to cultivate an internal sense of calm. This is the way of the Fjord. They manipulated control of their parasympathetic nervous system to remain fair, non-reactive and balanced.
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